Military service comes with immense sacrifices, but financial hardship shouldn’t be one of them. Servicemembers often face challenges that civilians don’t—deployments, relocations, and long periods away from home. Unfortunately, some businesses, landlords, and lenders take advantage of that, assuming that troops won’t have the time or resources to fight back when their rights are violated. That’s why the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA) exists—to protect those who serve from unfair financial burdens while on active duty.
I have spent my career fighting for servicemembers, veterans, and those who have been wronged by powerful institutions. I know how often companies try to exploit the men and women in uniform, assuming they won’t push back. But the law is clear—servicemembers have rights, and they deserve to be enforced. Here’s what you need to know about the SCRA and how to make sure you aren’t taken advantage of.
Protections Against Eviction and Foreclosure
One of the most important protections under the SCRA is shielding servicemembers and their families from eviction and foreclosure while they are on active duty. If you are renting a home and fall behind on payments due to military service, your landlord cannot simply evict you. In most cases, they must get a court order, and if you can show that your military duty is affecting your ability to pay, the court can delay the eviction for 90 days or longer.
The SCRA also protects homeowners. If you took out a mortgage before entering active duty, your lender cannot foreclose on your home without first getting a court order. Even then, courts have the authority to halt foreclosures if military service has impacted your ability to make payments. Too many banks and mortgage companies try to cut corners, assuming servicemembers won’t know their rights. But if you or someone you know is facing eviction or foreclosure while on active duty, the law is on your side.
If your landlord or lender violates these protections, they can face serious legal consequences—including fines and penalties. Don’t let them push you around.
Interest Rate Caps and Loan Protections
Predatory lenders have a long history of targeting servicemembers with high-interest loans, assuming they won’t have the time or legal knowledge to fight back. The SCRA directly addresses this by capping interest rates on pre-service debts at 6% while you’re on active duty.
This applies to credit cards, car loans, mortgages, and even some student loans. If you were paying a higher rate before joining the military, you have the right to request a reduction to 6% while you serve. The lender must forgive the excess interest—not just defer it—and they cannot penalize you for invoking this right.
To get the reduced rate, you must submit a written request to your lender along with proof of military service. Some lenders try to make this process more difficult than it should be, but the law is clear—they must comply. If they don’t, they can be held accountable in court.
Protection from Default Judgments
Many servicemembers are sued while deployed, often without even knowing about it. Whether it’s a credit card company, landlord, or another party filing a lawsuit, the SCRA protects you from having a default judgment entered against you simply because you weren’t able to respond in time.
Under the SCRA, if a servicemember is sued while on active duty and does not appear in court, the judge must appoint an attorney to represent their interests. In some cases, courts may delay the proceedings until the servicemember can participate. This protection prevents companies and creditors from winning lawsuits by default while you’re away on duty.
If a court enters a judgment against you while you were on active duty and you didn’t have a chance to defend yourself, you may have grounds to reopen the case. No one should lose a legal battle simply because they were serving their country.
Lease Termination Rights for Servicemembers
The SCRA also gives servicemembers the right to break a lease—whether for housing or a vehicle—without penalties if they receive orders for deployment or permanent change of station (PCS). Landlords and leasing companies cannot charge early termination fees, and they must return any prepaid rent.
For housing leases, you must provide written notice along with a copy of your military orders. The lease termination takes effect 30 days after the next rental payment is due. If a landlord refuses to honor this, they are violating federal law and can be sued.
For vehicle leases, the SCRA allows you to cancel a lease if you are deployed for 180 days or more or receive PCS orders outside the continental U.S. Many leasing companies try to push back against this, but they have no legal ground to stand on. If they attempt to charge you fees or refuse to terminate the lease, you can take legal action against them.
Enforcing Your Rights and Fighting Back
The SCRA is a powerful law, but like any protection, it only works if servicemembers know their rights and take action when they are violated. Too many landlords, lenders, and corporations try to exploit the fact that servicemembers don’t have time to fight back. But they are wrong.
If a business, creditor, or landlord is ignoring the SCRA, there are steps you can take. The Department of Justice enforces SCRA violations, and you can file a complaint with them. You can also take legal action yourself—many attorneys, including myself, are committed to fighting for servicemembers who are being taken advantage of.
I have spent my career holding powerful institutions accountable, ensuring that servicemembers and veterans get the protections they deserve. If you or someone you know is facing an SCRA violation, don’t back down. You fought for this country—you shouldn’t have to fight alone to enforce your rights.
About the Author: Nick Harrison is an attorney, advocate, and public servant who has dedicated his career to fighting for justice. He has gone head-to-head with powerful institutions, challenging discriminatory policies, defending veterans, and standing up for those who have no one else in their corner. From taking on high-profile legal battles to helping small businesses and nonprofits navigate complex legal issues, he brings both fierce advocacy and unwavering support to those he represents. His work has not only changed lives—but changed laws. With experience in litigation, policy reform, and leadership under pressure, Nick is committed to using the law as a force for good and ensuring that no one is left behind.
